The purpose oj the study was to determine the successes achieved and the challenges Jacedrnduring implementation oJthe assessment and certification programs carried out by cac duringrnthe past two consecutive years (2009 and 2010) since its commencement. The study area wasrnMekelle Zone oj Tigray Regional State. For the execution oj this study, both quantitative andrnqualitative data were collected through questionnaires, interview, FGD, and document review.rnIn this endeavor, Questionnaires were distributed to those TVET teachers and graduates whorntook occupational assessment. Interviews were conducted with assessment center coordinatorsrnand TVET bureau officials. FGD was held with the cac experts including the director. For datarnanalysis, tabulated Jrequency number and percentages were employed. The major challengesrnrevealed by the study include the lack oj independency and inappropriate organizationalrnstructure oj the regional cac; inadequate Jacilities oj ACs; shortages oj financial, material, andrnhuman resources in cac; poor standard oj assessment tools; and inefficient assessors. Thernstatus oj IACP was low. However, there were some successes achieved the most important ojrnwhich was cac became a potential to create competent citizens who can contribute Jor therndevelopment oj their country by encouraging trainers, trainees and other citizens to upgraderntheir knowledge and skill according to the required standard. It was concluded that though therernwere Jew successes achieved, there were so many challenges that impeded the effectivernimplementation oj the programs. At last, based on the findings oj the study, some possiblernsuggestions were Jorwarded which include making the regional cac independent oj TVET andrnimproving its organizational structure; capacitating the existing ACs and striving to get others;rnempowering cac and strengthening its human, financial and material resource capacity,rnpreparing standardized assessment tools in all occupations and levels; and Assigning competent,rntrained and experienced and committed industry assessors.